The boxing world has lost a great talent right at the start of the new year. Paul McCullagh Junior was the next hope for a successful family.
Shortly after the turn of the year, a dark shadow fell over the boxing world. Paul McCullagh Junior, one of the most promising talents of his generation, passed away on New Year’s Day. According to consistent media reports, the 25-year-old succumbed to an illness.
The boxer, known as “Irish Drago,” came from one of Northern Ireland’s most famous boxing families. His grandfather, also named Paul McCullagh, was considered a legendary trainer and coached boxing stars such as Barry McGuigan, Hugh Russell, and the current IBF welterweight champion Anthony Cacace.
Some very sad news to bring you.
Belfast boxer Paul McCullagh Jr has passed away aged 25 after a short illness. bbcboxing pic.twitter.com/3b6aimKiod
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) January 1, 2026
His father, Paul McCullagh Senior, was also a successful amateur boxer and now works as a professional referee.
Boxing talent McCullagh: “A true gentleman and a formidable presence”
McCullagh Jr. was crowned Ulster Elite Heavyweight Champion as an amateur in 2019, having already won his first title in 2012.
After turning professional in 2020, he celebrated a debut victory against Anthony Woolery and underlined his talent the following year in a duel with Ben Thomas.
The boxing world has reacted with great sadness to the death of this talented fighter. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association described McCullagh Junior as “a true gentleman in every way, but at the same time a fearsome and powerful presence in the ring.”
Trainer John O’Brien also addressed emotional words to his protégé: “Rest in peace, my boy, I loved you like my own son.”
